Red-winged Blackbird Migration: A Complete Guide

Red-winged blackbird (anchovies) is one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in North America, with breeding populations in all 48 states as well as Canada. In some places, these noisy birds are a common year-round presence, while in other areas, spotting the distinctive scarlet wing spots is a sure sign that spring is on the way.

Read on to learn more about where to see red-winged blackbirds at any given time of year.

In the fall, large flocks of red-winged blackbirds migrate south, spending the winter in the southern United States and Mexico. Starting in February, they begin to return to their spring breeding grounds in search of suitable nesting grounds. Breeding populations of red-winged blackbirds in the central and southern states do not migrate, but remain in their roosts throughout the winter.

Read our guide to learn more about the annual wintering journeys these lively birds make and the unique individual migration habits that male and female red-winged blackbirds display.

Perched male red-winged blackbird

Do red-winged blackbirds migrate?

Northern red-winged blackbird populations are typically migratory, moving south to the southern United States and Mexico anytime from late August through October. Populations of birds residing in the central and southern states do not migrate and remain in their home countries throughout the year.

How do red-winged blackbirds migrate?

Migration of red-winged blackbirds depends on the geographic location of the breeding grounds, and not all populations migrate. Those that do have been observed to have very specific migratory habits.

Red-winged blackbirds migrate in sex-specific groups. The timing of migration also differs between males and females. For fall migrations, females go out first, up to a month ahead of males; however, during spring returning migrations, males leave about a month ahead of females.

They don’t all end up in the same overwintering grounds, and females tend to go farther than males.

Female (left) and male (right) red-winged blackbirds – males and females usually migrate separately

When Do Red-winged Blackbirds Migrate?

The migration time of red-winged blackbirds is closely related to the geographical location of their summer breeding grounds. Populations that breed in western Canada are early birds of migration, beginning their southward migration anytime from late August.

Males and females migrate separately, with females arriving at wintering grounds about a month earlier than migrating males. By October, most of the male red-winged blackbirds residing in the northern regions of the United States will also be migrating.

Spring migration to breeding grounds usually begins in February, with the newest birds arriving in late May.

Why do red-winged blackbirds migrate?

Winter migrations of the northernmost red-winged blackbird populations become necessary when temperatures drop too low to maintain the normal supply of food resources needed in the coldest months.

In spring, red-winged blackbirds begin their return journey to areas with suitable nesting and breeding grounds. Their chosen wetland habitat has abundant nesting and food resources that support them in raising their young.

Red-winged blackbird calling from perch

How far do red-winged blackbirds migrate?

Male and female red-winged blackbirds have been observed to exhibit different migratory behaviors, with females often flying farther than males to find suitable places to spend the winter.

The banded red-winged blackbird, which breeds in the Great Lakes region of North America, has the farthest migration recorded, flying about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) to reach its winter destinations.

Red-winged blackbirds from Midwestern states have been observed to fly about 1,000 km (620 miles); those from New England breeding grounds have migrated about 800 km (500 miles), while birds from Mid-Atlantic states have recorded distances of Up to 600 km (375 miles).

Females migrate longer distances than males; for example, females who migrated from the Great Lakes region were found to travel 230 kilometers (140 miles) farther than males from the same region.

female red-winged blackbird

Where do red-winged blackbirds migrate to?

California and Mexico are popular winter destinations for migratory red-winged blackbirds that migrate from Canada and the northern United States. Other states with large numbers of visitors during the winter include Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.

How long does it take for red-winged blackbirds to migrate?

The red-winged blackbird is capable of sustaining a flight speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). With overnight rest, because the flight is only during the day, even the shortest migrations can take days or even weeks for red-winged blackbirds to reach their final destination.

The red-winged blackbird can maintain a flight speed of about 30 mph

Do red-winged blackbirds fly non-stop?

Migrating red-winged blackbirds cover long distances on their wings between their breeding and wintering grounds. It is necessary to break up their journey into smaller, more manageable segments by resting in large overnight habitats.

Do red-winged blackbirds migrate in flocks?

Large flocks of red-winged blackbirds migrate together each fall and return in flocks once the harshest winter conditions are over before a new nesting and breeding season begins.

A large flock of migrating red-winged blackbirds

Are all red-winged blackbirds migratory?

Not all red-winged blackbirds are migratory, and red-winged blackbirds that live in the central and southern states of the United States spend year-round in breeding grounds. The further north the red-winged blackbird breeding grounds were, the more likely the migration was and the earlier the migration began.

Where do red-winged blackbirds go in winter?

Every winter, migrating red-winged blackbirds from northern breeding grounds travel to southern states such as Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Mexico is also a popular wintering place for migratory red-winged blackbirds.

By December, most migratory birds have reached their wintering grounds and spend the day eating seeds and grains, fattening up ahead of the upcoming breeding season and journey back north.

Red-winged blackbirds that inhabit breeding grounds in the farther south of the United States remain within their territories throughout the winter.

Close-up of a red-winged blackbird male posing

Where do red-winged blackbirds go in summer?

In spring, red-winged blackbirds migrate back to their northern breeding grounds. Males leave before females so they can arrive first and can claim suitable territories to attract mates and raise offspring.

The nesting period for red-winged blackbirds ends in July or early August at the latest. After finishing brooding, both males and females continue to spend time in wetland areas, including sedge meadows, swamps, and alfalfa fields.

Here, they form large flocks and forage together in neutral territory in order to gain strength and vital fat reserves before migratory flights.

Males delay migration for up to a month after the females leave, during which time their fat stores can double.

Where do red-winged blackbirds go in fall?

Migrating red-winged blackbirds begin their annual southward migration in late August, and by October most migrating males and females will be heading south in separate flocks.

Before migratory flights, red-winged blackbirds spend time in late summer and early fall foraging intensively in large mixed populations in and around wetland habitats. There, they develop critical fat reserves to sustain them on their journey ahead of winter.

A small flock of red-winged blackbirds roosting at night in a Texas canyon

Do red-winged blackbirds migrate at night?

Migration of red-winged blackbirds occurs during the day, and flocks of birds rest at night.